Showcase doesn't light 'Burner's' fire

SAN DIEGO -- The preseason is Michael Turner's time to take on
the workload of a featured back. Well, at least for half the
game.

With LaDainian Tomlinson again serving in the role of spectator,
Turner will receive the bulk of the first-half carries when the
Chargers visit the St. Louis Rams on Saturday.

Tomlinson's absence assures that Turner will run against the
Rams' first-team defense. Since he's an unrestricted free agent
after the season, potential suitors might pay a little closer
attention to how he fares.

But that doesn't matter to Turner, who averaged 6.3 yards per
carry last season while backing up Tomlinson.

"Nothing changes," Turner said Thursday. "It will be the same as
years before. I don't see no difference.

"I always want to perform to my highest level no matter what the
situation is."

Turner, 25, describes the preseason as "elevated practice,"
saying he's striving to improve at every facet of the game. But he
also welcomes the opportunity to carry the football regularly.

"I like to get a little rhythm going," Turner said. "I'm a
rhythm-type back. Just because I don't get four yards on one carry
don't mean I won't break the next one.

"I like to get the feel of the game. I don't get discouraged by
a 1-yard gain."

Tyronne Gross, who spent last season on the team's practice
squad, is expected to receive the bulk of the second-half
carries.

Ailing Waters

Rookie linebacker Anthony Waters will miss Saturday's game after
injuring his good knee in the preseason opener against Seattle.

Waters hurt his right knee against the Seahawks, 11 months after
tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while
playing for Clemson.

Coach Norv Turner thinks the latest ailment could help Waters,
who has been dealing with issues in the surgically repaired knee
since being drafted in the third round last April.

"He had the surgery last year in September, and we knew coming
in that it was going to be a touch-and-go thing," Turner said.
"When he's been able to practice, he's really flashed and shown us
he has a real upside.

"Unfortunately, he did sprain the other knee the other day, but
that will give him some time to get better. The one he had
repaired, that will give it some rest."

Ruled out

Waters wasn't the only player ruled out of the game against the
Rams. Turner said linebacker Marques Harris (shoulder) and guard
Erik Robertson (ankle) also will sit out. Earlier this week,
starting inside linebacker Matt Wilhelm (calf) indicated he would
miss the game, and Turner confirmed that on Thursday.

Rookie linebacker Jyles Tucker, who suffered a concussion
against Seattle, has been cleared.

"If he doesn't have any setbacks, I believe he will be prepared
to play," Turner said.